Open your mind......

Our society has some certain norms, which can’t be oppose so easily. Such norms, social concerns are subjected to be discussed in ‘open your mind’, short film directed by Vishnu G Ragav. The short film is a journey through three different individuals of different age group. How the social customs and social norms are linked into those life.

Throughout the film balloon is used as a symbol of freedom, some what a change. From the very first balloon is there. Our society believes that women can’t be independent; she has to be supported by men. It may through marriage, friendship or brotherhood. It makes me to remember the Lines from "MANU SMRITI,

“PITHO RAKSHATHI KAUMARE...

BARTHRO RAKSHATHI YAUVANE...

PUTHRO RAKSHATHI VARDHAKYE...

NA STHREE SWATHRIYAM ARHATHI"

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The first story talks about purpose of marriage. The plot is a match making function of Sandhya( Bhavana) .   Here the boy wanted to get married only for look after him. The maid costs 40000 rupees which is difficult to pay. Instead of hiring a maid he is just marrying, means wife is just a maid without a pay. Our society thinks that women shouldn’t work after marriage. She should erase all her efforts and just to be a house wife. I agree that there is lot of change these days. But some kind of people will never change. Dowry is also become a topic there. The society still thinks that without dowry marriage is a shame. That’s why our jewellery shops still exist. How the girl reacts to this is worth to watch. I just gave a clap to that scene. Marriage is a great concept where men and women having equal respect. If it is not like that it becomes a compromise or slavery.

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The next story talks about happiness. One must do something according to their happiness. Not just for money, or for society. The story also shows the moral policing. Why the people think a boy and girl can’t share friendship only. If the men and women walk together society will consider them as immoral. The story tells us about following our dreams. Chase your dreams and be happy. If we want to change society first reform yourself. The main protagonist of the story is Manu an IT Professional who want to be a photographer.

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 The third story talks about abuse against women. The story talks through innocent child, who are just a victim of social norms. It is about three guys and one girl. The girl wanted to be independent. But when the question of her protection was raised all of them get into thinking. At last they found that they will protect her. It shows how the society believes that women are weaker than men and not able to protect herself.

These three stories are asked us to think about our customs, so called traditions, and the necessity of change- ‘open our mind’. The films has eminent actors like Saikumar , Bahvanaa, Bindu Panikkar, Ajas etc.. The film is produced by Vinu Mohan and Prajil Manikkoth under the banner of Manikkoth Productions.

The other crew of "Open Your Mind" includes Appu N Bhattathiri (editor), M R Rajakrishnan (Sound Designer), Sreekumar (Colourist), Sachin Senan (Project Designer) Mahesh, Shibhu, Vishnu (Art), Arunlal S Pillai (Visual Effects), Jomon Joshy, Joe Siby Malayil, Ritwik Baiju (Associate Directors),  Alex J Pulickal (associate cameraman), Manu Manohar, Vishnu Prabhakar (stills), Sachin Krishna (costumes), Aji (makeup), Shameer PM, Rajesh Bhaskar (asst cameraman), Sooraj Sunny, Sidharth TK (asst directors) and Publicity Designs by T G Entertainment Studios.

Editing, plot, camera, and music everything is good. All the ingredients are in correct level which makes the movie enjoyable. 

ATHULYA B S